Surf

Welcome coastal rain for NSW

Jacobus Cronje, 29 August 2019

In what has proven to be one of the drier Augusts in recent years for parts of eastern New South Wales, a coastal trough currently slowly contracting northward, together with a weak cold front, are bringing very welcome rain.

Before the current onset of rain, most stations in the South Coast, Illawarra, Sydney and Hunter districts had reported less than 20% of the long-term average monthly rainfall.

Starting early-morning Thursday, coastal showers were reported along the Illawarra and Sydney coasts, with Nowra, Bellambi Point, Point Perpendicular, Jervis Bay, Holsworthy, Mascot and Observation Hill all reporting some rain before 9am.

Accompanying the rain was the southerly change associated with the front, with sustained winds of 40-60km/h and gusts of 60-80km/h reported at places like Ulladulla, Kiama, Kurnell and Mascot.

Rainfall after 9am has continued for coastal Illawarra and Sydney and spread further north, with falls of 10-15mm recorded by midday over places like Gosford and Norah Head.

Residents of Sydney are hoping to see widespread falls of 10-15mm fall during Thursday, with the potential for more intense and heavier falls for coastal suburbs during the afternoon and early evening.

Showers and elevated wind speeds are expected to continue throughout the day, with easing conditions expected during Friday. However, a strong wind warning remains in place for Sydney Closed Waters, Hunter Coast, Sydney Coast, Illawarra Coast and Batemans Coast for the time being.

For the latest weather warnings, go to https://www.weatherzone.com.au.